Having sat some time at table, Speranski corked a bottle of wine and, remarking, "Nowadays good wine rides in a carriage and pair," passed it to the servant and got up.

All rose and continuing to talk loudly went into the drawing room.

Two letters brought by a courier were handed to Speranski and he took them to his study.

As soon as he had left the room the general merriment stopped and the guests began to converse sensibly and quietly with one another.